Water-Loving Trees & Shrubs

Plants that use a lot of water will make the best of heavy rainstorms.

If you've got an area with poor drainage, plant water-loving trees and shrubs to create a landscape that enhances your property. Plants that aren't fit for lots of water may get fungal infections or rot when their roots are exposed to too much water. But trees and shrubs that use a lot of water can thrive, for example, at the base of a hill that experiences frequent rain run-off.

Trees

A water-loving tree is one that needs a lot of water. It's also one that won't die when the roots are submerged in water for a time. Some of the best trees to plant in an area with a lot of water are willows, coast redwood, California sycamore and Eastern red cedar. Another benefit these four share is that summer droughts won't kill them. They're hardy and able to weather the microclimate on your property.

Shrubs

Try blue elderberry, Pacific wax myrtle, Western false indigo, desert willow, highland blueberry or Western dogwood shrubs in areas with lots of water. They'll flourish, instead of dying, because they are able to continue getting nutrients from very wet soil. Like the trees, they're also capable of withstanding droughts and will make it through the summer well.

Soil

Soil that doesn't drain well -- the kind that can support only water-loving trees and shrubs -- is called hydric soil. Many plants slowly die when planted in hydric soil because they aren't able to get the proper nutrition or oxygen. The trees and shrubs you plant may help maintain the water levels on your property by using the excess water. You can test whether your property supports water-loving trees and shrubs by digging a hole 1 foot deep and putting a wooden stake marked with inch measurements into the hole. Every hour after a heavy rain, watch to see how quickly the water drains from the hole. If it's draining at less than an inch per hour, you'll know you have the right soil for water-loving trees and shrubs.

Warnings

Even with water-loving trees and shrubs planted in a wet area, it's not a good idea to plant delicate plants nearby. When the rain comes, the delicate plants will be overrun by water before the trees and shrubs can use it all efficiently. Over-exposure to water will cause blooms and stems to develop rot, which will not only make your property look worse but will damage the garden you've been working to plant. Also, the roots of water-loving plants are often extensive and can cause damage to nearby pipes should they need to seek more water.

About the Author

Melly Parker has been writing since 2007, focusing on health, business, technology and home improvement. She has also worked as a teacher and a bioassay laboratory technician. Parker now serves as a marketing specialist at one of the largest mobile app developers in the world. She holds a Master of Science in English.